2011 Acura Mdx Advance on 2040-cars

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10 automakers sued over keyless ignitions

Keyless ignition has rapidly proliferated throughout the auto industry to become a fairly normal feature on new cars. It's supposed to offer the convenience of keeping the fob in your pocket and just pressing a button to drive away. However, ten major automakers are now being sued in US District Court over claims that the system is dangerous, Reuters reports. The suit alleges that people are forgetting to shut off the engine, and the lack of an idle timer is the cause for 13 deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning and multiple injuries. The suit currently includes 28 plaintiffs, according to Reuters, but the lawyers are asking for class-action status to potentially add many more. The case goes after a major swath of the industry, including BMW, Daimler, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, plus their related brands like Acura, Infiniti, Mini, and Lexus. In all, over five million vehicles are affected. The assertion here is that people walk away from their vehicle without shutting it off because they believe the engine shuts off automatically. If parked in a garage, carbon monoxide can build up, leading to poisoning. The lawyers claim automakers know this is a problem and also cite 27 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the issue, according to Reuters. The plaintiffs are asking for an automatic shut-off and damages from the companies. These concerns have come up before, though. Toyota previously faced a lawsuit over a carbon monoxide death after a woman accidentally left her Lexus running. Also earlier this year, GM recalled 64,186 examples of the 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt because owners weren't shutting them off. The problem resulted in two injuries, and the company released a software update to limit the idling time.

2017 Acura Model Year Preview and Updates

In what would otherwise be a model change of modest updates, Acura rewrites the rules with its all-new NSX, a high-performance hybrid reconfiguring the exotic car template. Beyond the all-new NSX, 2017 is what we've come to expect from Acura: competence, efficiency and affordability in the near-luxury segment. ACURA NSX: The all-new NSX, with a mid-engined V6 supplemented by a hybrid drivetrain and front-mounted Twin Motor Unit, provides a performance and handling dynamic rarely seen on the street - and certainly not otherwise available for the NSX's $160,000 MSRP. With a unique blend of aggressively aerodynamic design and refined yet explosive performance, the NSX effectively resides in a class of one. ACURA ILX: Acura's entry-level sedan continues for 2017 with no real changes but the addition of Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and San Marino Red exterior colors. ACURA TLX: The TLX continues into its third model year with only modest changes. New for 2017 are three new colors – San Marino Red, Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic. Also, a GT package is offered for the first time. Designed to reflect Acura's ongoing interest in racing, the GT addition is a combination of Acura's underbody spoilers and your money. ACURA RLX: Modest changes on both the standard RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid. ACURA MDX: Acura's MDX enters its fourth model year with an aggressive freshening, standard front-wheel drive and AcuraWatch, a new suite of safety and driver-assistance technology available across all MDX models. Styling updates include a new grille, hood, front fenders and side sills, along with new front and rear fascias. Inside, an electric parking brake with automatic brake hold has been added. And on the top-of-the-line Advance, buyers enjoy both real wood trim and second-row captain's chairs. ACURA RDX: The 2017 model year introduces two new colors: Lunar Silver metallic and Modern Steel metallic.

2016 Acura NSX grows into its updated styling for the 2015 Detroit Auto Show [w/videos]

It's not immediately clear at first glance, but the Acura NSX as it appears on the floor at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show is a far cry from the concept from the 2013 show. These days, the NSX packs a twin-turbo, longitudinally mounted V6 with over 550 horsepower on tap and nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Although, the three-motor hybrid setup remains with two units at the front and one for the rear axle. The numerous slashes and scoops make the design look much more aggressive than the earlier concept, but the changes go much deeper than the new skin. There's an inch of extra width and 3.1-inches more overall, including 0.8-inches extra length in the wheelbase. Underneath it all, is a carbon fiber floor and aluminum-intensive chassis to provide strength to harness all of its power. Unfortunately, Acura isn't specifically announcing engine output, the weight or the design's drag coefficienct yet, so there are still questions to answer. However production starts in fall 2015 with the order books opening in the summer. Pricing is among the factors that the Japanese brand isn't discussing, but it likely costs about $150,000 to park the company's latest supercar in your driveway. In the meantime, enjoy admiring this upcoming entry in the hybrid supercar market. Related Video: